Newsletter from SASTRA UNIVERSITY

(IT Is Happening At SASTRA)

Vol. 10 IV Quarter

M e s s a g e f r o m

VICE - CHANCELLOR

2010

SASTRA UNIVERSITY

Prof. R. SethuramanVice-Chancellor

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INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON NUMBER THEORY AND AUTOMORPHIC FORMSAny university worthy of its name

is expected to exercise a high degree of objectivity in the advancement of knowledge. SASTRA University's scope of its concerns towards its intellectual, educational and social functions is

very wide. One such endeavour of SASTRA is its role in promoting research in Ramanujan's Mathematics. As an institution functioning in his schooling district, SASTRA purchased the ancestral house of Srinivasa Ramanujan at Kumbakonam and is maintaining as an international monument. SASTRA also set up the Srinivasa Ramanujan Centre at Kumbakonam in the year 1999. The centre conducts annual international conferences on various areas influenced by Ramanujan Mathematics. So far eight such conferences were organized. SASTRA also awards the annual SASTRA-Ramanujan Award, a cash prize of USD 10,000 for the path-breaking research in Ramanujan mathematics. This year the award was given to Prof. Wei Zhang of Harvard University at the international conference on 'Number Theory and Automorphic Forms' organized by SASTRA on December 22, 2010. Academicians commend these noble efforts of SASTRA.

The placement boom at SASTRA opened up careers for SASTRA students who fared extremely well and more than 2000 students were placed so far by top-notch companies. This shows the faith reposed by the companies on SASTRA and the right kind of training being offered to its students.

It is noteworthy that SASTRA is taking efforts to be a part of the 'National Mission on Education through ICT,' by acting as a nodal centre in training the faculty and students of various Colleges of Education in this region.

A variety of events organized during the quarter like: technical festivals/seminars organized by the Schools, laurels won by students and activities of NSS/NCC are featured in the present issue of ITIHAS.

I wish the readers a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Prof. R. Lakshmi Narayanan presents the SASTRA-Ramanujan Award to Professor Wei Zhang of Harvard University. From Left : Prof. Krishnaswami

Alladi and Dr. S. Swaminathan

An International Conference on “Number Theory and Automorphic Forms” was held at Srinivasa Ramanujan

ndCentre of SASTRA University, Kumbakonam on 22 December, 2010.

Prof. R. Lakshmi Narayanan, Senior Professor, Raman Research Institute, Bangalore inaugurated the conference. Delivering the inaugural address, Prof. Lakshmi Narayanan said mathematics, the basis for all sciences, was being relegated to the background now. This, he said, was unfortunate, and efforts of universities such as SASTRA should be appreciated as they gave importance to mathematics and fundamental sciences.

Describing Ramanujan and scientist Sir C.V. Raman as two icons of India, Prof. Lakshmi Narayanan said both had many commonalities: they were born on the banks of the Cauvery, Ramanujan at Erode and Raman at Thiruvanaikaval. They were not students of any institution, but were driven by a passion for mathematics

ITIHAS VOL.10, IV QUARTER - 2010

and science. “Raman was a young genius, and Ramanujan was a prodigy.”

SASTRA-Ramanujan Award

Professor Wei Zhang, Benjamin Pierce Instructor at the Department of Mathematics, Harvard University, received the SASTRA-Ramanujan Award - 2010, instituted by SASTRA University to encourage path-breaking research in Ramanujan Mathematics. Prof. Lakshmi Narayanan presented the award, carrying a prize of US $10,000 and a citation.

Prof. Wei Zhang was honoured with this award for far-reaching contributions, by him and in collaboration with others, in broad range of areas, including number theory, automorphic forms, L-functions, trace formulae, representation theory and algebraic geometry. The award also recognizes the profound influence he has wielded in the past few years on number theory and related areas by introducing several deep ideas and techniques.

Prof. Krishnaswami Alladi, University of Florida and Chairman of the panel of experts of the award committee, read out the citation. He said that by receiving the award, Prof. Wei Zhang, the unanimous choice of the panel, emerged as the worldwide leader in mathematics.

Srinivasa Ramanujan Birthday Commemorative Lecture

After receiving the award Prof. Wei Zhang delivered the Srinivasa Ramanujan Birthday Commemorative Lecture. In his lecture he said that Srinivasa Ramanujan has been the source of inspiration for all mathematicians in the world. Prof. Wei Zhang also said he was delighted to visit Ramanujan's house at Kumbakonam which is maintained by SASTRA as a monument.

Dr. S. Swaminathan, Dean, Sponsored Research, SASTRA University, said mathematics teachers handling Plus-One and Plus-Two classes in 35 schools in Thanjavur district attended the conference. The aim was to give them an opportunity to interact with world

famous mathematicians. SASTRA also presented Rs. 5,000 each school for their libraries.

Lecture Schedule

A lecture schedule was organized during the occasion in which eminent mathematicians spoke on various vital topics on mathematics.

Speaker TitleProf. Wei Zhang Srinivasa Ramanujan Harvard University Commemorative LectureProf. Dipendra Prasad Ext-analogue of branching Tata Institute of Fundamental Research laws for classical groupsProf. Shouwu Zhang Automorphic FormsColumbia University

Prof. Krishnaswami Alladi Variants of q-hypergeometric University of Florida identities and partition

implicationsProf. Ritabrata Munshi Simultaneous non-Tata Institute of Fundamental Research vanishing twistsDr. Arvind Nair Mixed Structures in the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Chronology of Modular

Varieties

SASTRA UNIVERSITY 2

Professor Wei Zhang delivering the Srinivasa Ramanujan Commemorative Lecture

A school teacher receives a cheque for Rs.5000 towards library development

The delegates before Ramanujan’s bustThe delegates before Ramanujan’s bust

Dr. N. Kannan, Professor of Mathematics introduced the speakers and Dr. Ayyasamy, Professor of Mathematics gave the concluding remarks. Dr. K. Kannan, Dean, Humanities and Sciences, proposed a vote of thanks.

This is the eighth International Conference organized by SASTRA on Ramanujan Mathematics and the present

rdconference marks the 123 birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan. More than 100 delegates and school teachers participated.

SASTRA University, hosted more than 30 SASTRA is also formalizing various post-

companies for recruiting its students who recruitment activities in consultation with the

would be graduating in 2011. Over 2000 job recruiters to utilize the last semester in the

offers were made, with TCS creating a record. most productive form. This shall make the

TCS recruited 1359 students during its graduates readily employable by the industry

campus recruitment drive from December 7 and address the growing concern of students'

to 9, 2010. This is TCS's largest recruitment in academic interest after securing a job. Such a

a single campus. collaborative initiative by SASTRA is the first

of its type and a trend-setter. Accenture, Aricent, Ascendant Technology,

Beroe Inc, IBM, I Nautix, L & T Infotech,

Mahindra Satyam, Newgen Software,

Ramco Systems TCS, Telcon, Wipro,

Wipro Wase, CTS etc., are the IT

companies that visited SASTRA.

Core companies like Ashok Leyland,

Brakes India, CCCL, Dalmia Cements,

Ford, Hindustan Motors KLA Tencor, L &

T ECC, Murugappa, Nagarjuna Oil

Corporation, Orbit, Rane, Rockwell

Collins, SBI Life Insurance, Sundaram

Clayton, Titan, Sundaram Fasteners,

TVS Motors, Vedanta, VGN Developers,

VA-Tech Wabag, Wheels India also

recruited students, offering competitive

pay packages.

With more IT & non-IT companies to

follow in the next few weeks, the

university expects to place all of its

eligible students. This will be a testimony

to SASTRA's training and placement

activities, the quality of students joining

it and the confidence placed by the

industry in SASTRA and its students.

The recruitment scenario is booming

with not only IT companies, but also core

companies joining the race for getting the

best students on their rolls.

SASTRA UNIVERSITY

ITIHAS VOL.10, IV QUARTER - 2010

IT’S RAINING JOBS @ SASTRA

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ITIHAS VOL.10, IV QUARTER - 2010

'PROGYAN 2010'

In order to nurture talents and recognize the hidden power in the youth of the B-Schools, the School of Management of SASTRA University conducted PROGYAN' 10, a two day national-level meet on October 22, 2010. The meet received overwhelming response from the universities and B Schools in the four southern states.

Inaugurating the meet, Shri P. R. Somasundaram, Director and CEO of Lakshmi Vilas Bank Ltd, said, “Dreaming Big is the need of the hour. Skills and attitude are the primary requirements rather than knowledge for assessing the employee's potential. Best managers and leaders should know how to identify and foresee the issues than just finding solutions.” He insisted that budding managers should acquire knowledge from all the available sources as change is inevitable in the present dynamic society and students must constantly plan to meet such challenges.

Dr. S. Vaidhyasubramaniam, Dean – Planning & Development, SASTRA, in his welcome address emphasized the need for the integration of theoretical knowledge which a student acquires in the four walls of the class rooms and practical aspects which will help them to be a successful manager. Dr. V. Badrinath, Dean (i/c), School of Management, proposed a vote of thanks.

Events like: Stock Market, Best Manager, Business Plan, HR Debate, Ship Wreck, Ad-Zap, Block & Tackle, 8. Business Quiz were conducted in which students from over 20 B-Schools participated. Shri P.B. Kottur, General Manager, Talent Transformation, WIPRO Technologies, Bangalore delivered the valedictory address and distributed the prizes.

Lakshmi Vilas Bank was the title Sponsor and City Union Bank, Karur Vysa Bank, Sree Chandy Group of Institutions were the Co-Sponsors. The Priceton Review, Mallika Jewellers, Business Line, Dalmia

PRATHYARTH

PRATHYARTH, the national level annual technical symposium was organised by the Bioinformatics

rd thDepartment on the 23 and 24 October 2010. This symposium was inaugurated by Padma Bhushan Prof. P. Chandrasekharan, renowned forensic science expert and Former Professor-Director, Forensic Sciences Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. Shri.R. Nataraj I.P.S, Director General of Police, Government of Tamil Nadu and Director General – Fire and Rescue Services delivered the Presidential Address on ‘Crime Investigations’. Dr.K.A. Senthil Velan, Superintendent o f P o l i c e , T h a n j a v u r District gave a special address on the occasion.

A workshop on 'Narco Analysis a n d B r a i n Mapping' was also organsied as a part of the s y m p o s i u m . A r o u n d 3 5 0 students from different parts of t h e c o u n t r y participated in the workshop which was anchored by Prof. P Chandrasekharan. The workshop included sessions on the Impact of Science in Crime Investigation, Truth Detection Techniques, video discussions on narco analysis, Forensic Psychology & Lie Detection, DNA Finger Printing and Brain mapping apart from a session on Supreme Court Decision on narcoanalysis, lie detection and brain fingerprinting.

Shri R. Nataraj,DGP, Fire and Rescue Services, Govt.of Tamilnadu lighting the traditional lamp.

Prof. P. Chandrasekaran and Dr. K.A. Senthil Velan, SP are also in the picture.

Cements, Campus UK and Cambridge One were the other sponsors.

Shri P.R. Somasundaram lighting the traditional lamp

Shri P.B. Kottur giving away the championship trophy

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SANKALP '10

SANKALP, the National Level Technical Symposium organized by the School of EEE, was held on October 9&10, 2010. The event attracted 800 participants from all over the country. There were six technical events and four filler events and two guest lectures and a workshop. There was an online event that at tracted more than 200 participants from different colleges. The symposium was inaugurated by Shri.C.V. Ramanan, Vice President, CAMS Inc. Shri Raju Rao, Managing Director, XTRA plus s o l u t i o n s d e l i v e r e d t h e va led ic to ry address and distributed the prizes.

WORKSHOP ON DESIGN OF WATER DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS

A national workshop on “Design of Water Distribution nd rdNetworks” was conducted on 2 and 3 December 2010

by Centre for Advanced Research in Environment (CARE), School of Civil Engineering. The workshop was attended by practicing engineers, academicians and researchers. The workshop focused on the concepts a n d t h e t o o l s available in the f ie ld of water d i s t r i b u t i o n network analysis and design.

SAKSHAMA 2010, an annual technical event organized by MECASSO (Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineers Association), School of Mechanical Engineering,

th thSASTRA University, was held on 8 and 9 of October 2010. The two-day technical fete was inaugurated by Shri.R. Ravi, Regional Supplier Quality Manager, AREVA T&D, India. Shri Ravi in his inaugural address spoke on the nuances of Supply Chain Management. Shri.N. Subramanian, Head(QA), NPCIL, Trichy delivered a lecture on “An overview of Nuclear Power Programme” and Dr.N.K. Singh, Senior Deputy GM, CFD division, BHEL, Hyderabad on “Computational Fluid Dynamics.”

Participants from various institutions presented papers on various streams of mechanical engineering like manufacturing, thermal and engineering design. Auto-tuning, technical quizzes, design contests, robotic events like earth-grabber and robothon were the technical events conducted as part of the technical festival. The fun events added flavour to the technical extravaganza. 150 Students from 50 premier institutes in and around the state participated. Shri. R.Suresh Kumar, Managing Director, Vignesh Engineering, Chennai, delivered the valedictory address and distributed the prizes to the winning teams. Whirlpool India Pvt L t d , D a l m i a Cements, ERAYEE Industries, Shakthi A u t o A g e n c i e s , Vijjay Coy industries and CADD were the sponsors for the event.

WIPRO MISSION 10X WORKSHOPS

The Department of Training and Placement organised Wipro Mission 10X pre-workshop on November 10, 2010. 33 faculty members from various colleges attended the workshop.

WIPRO MISSION 10X basic work shop was organised from 15- 19 Nov 2010. Partiocipants from SASTRA, SRC Campus and JJ College of Engineering, Trichy attended the programme. Resource persons from W I P R O conducted the p r o g r a m m e . The advanced level workshop o f W I P R O Mission 10x was conducted on 15&16 Nov 2010 .

PRE-PLACEMENT TRAINING

The Department of Training and Placement organized a training programme on October 10, 2010 for the students of final year CSE ICT & IT, to prepare them for the forthcoming interviews. Resource persons from “Mahindra Satyam” imparted the training. Another programme was organized on October 14, 2010 by resource persons from TCS, Chennai. A similar programme was organized in SRC, Kumbakonam on the same date. “Accenture Career Zone – Campus Corridor Programme” was organized on October 20, 2010 for the benefit of the 2011 batch students. This is in addition to a comprehensive 3 - day training organised by SASTRA for all the students.

SAKSHAMA 2010

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DEAKIN VARSITY STUDENT PURSUES RESEARCH AT SASTRA

Shaun T. Smith, an MS student from Deakin University, Australia is pursuing his r e s e a r c h a t S A S T R A U n i v e r s i t y u n d e r t h e s u p e r v i s i o n o f D r . T.R. Neelakantan, Associate Dean, School of Civi l Engineering. Shaun T. Smith was awarded Endeavour Research Fellowship by Australian Government for his research internship at SASTRA from August 2010 to February 2011. His research addresses the inconvenience cost associated with the interruptions in municipal water supply through pipe networks so as to use it in the improvement on the reliability of the water supply. He is involving in a study on Thanjavur water supply system.

SASTRA BECOMES A NODAL CENTRE FOR NATIONAL MISSION ON EDUCATION

“In a world of emerging technologies, distance is not the restraint for quality and cost effective education” said Dr. Kannan Moudgalya, Professor at IIT, Bombay and a Member of the Standing Committee, National Mission on Education through ICT. Inaugurating the programme on 'Empowerment of Teacher Trainers' at the SASTRA University, Dr.Moudgalya said that internet based conferencing tools and Open Source Software like Scilab provide value addition to the learner and make teaching of science, mathematics and statistics quite interesting to the modern day children who have a good exposure to internet and mobile technologies. The teachers who have the challenge to educate students of forthcoming generations need to be equipped with Information Technology and the powerful tools of simulation and virtual laboratories. SASTRA University has taken the initiative to work with the National Mission on Education and will be the teacher node for a number of education colleges in the country. Courses on ICT, genomics, nanotechnology, mathematical simulations and internet technologies will be available to the teachers and students of educational colleges in the virtual classrooms offered by SASTRA in co ordination with the NME using a video conferencing software A-VIEW. Select Open Source Tools will be taught to the teachers through this mode

Delivering the first lecture in the series Major A. Balasubramanian, Principal, School of Education, Srinivasa Ramanujan Centre, SASTRA said that every classroom shows heterogeneity and throws challenge to the teacher to relate to each of them. There was a quality interaction between the students of different nodes namely KSK College of Technology, Kumbakonam, Annai College of Education, Kumbakonam and Srinivasa Ramanujan Centre, SASTRA University, Kumbakonam.

CONFERENCE PRESENTATION IN KOREA

Shan T. Smith (left) with Dr. Neelakantan

at a water supply system in Thanjavur

XIX ACADEMIC COUNCIL MEETING

The XIX Academic Council Meeting of SASTRA University was held on 20th December 2010. The council approved the award of double degree (B.Tech. & M.Tech.) to the students of M.Tech. (5 year integrated) Programmes. The council also approved the offering of Open Elective Courses for VIII Semester B.Tech. Programmes during regular working hours.

The syllabi of I year B.F.A.(Music) Programme was also approved by the council. The council gave its consent for the following:

1. Introduction of following Certificate / Diploma Courses through Distance Mode:

a. Sanskrit b. Advaita-Vedanta c. Srivaishnavism d. Agamas e. Vedangas f. Darsanam g. Vedic Mathematics h. Manuscriptlogy i. Epigraphy j. Yoga k. Cyber Law l. Disaster Management

2. Introduction of Post Graduate Diploma Programme in Vastu Shastra.

3. Introduction of Dual Degree (B.A., M.C.A., / B.Sc.,M.C.A. / B.Com.,M.C.A.) Programmes.

Dr.B.Ilango, Former V.C. Bharathiar University, Dr.R. Sethuraman, Formerly, Senior Professor, MIT, Dr.P.V. Vaidyanathan, Former V.C. Annamalai University and Dr. Raman Srinivasan, TCS iGnite were the external members participated in the meeting.

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MOOT COURT COMPETITION

CONFERENCE PRESENTATION IN KOREA

A team of three students from the School of Law comprising Kum. Chinmayi R. Krishnan, Kum. Nithya Sharma and Kum. V. Vaishnavi participated in the All India Refugee Law Moot Court Competition conducted from 29-31 October, 2010, jointly organized by the Department of Legal Studies, University of Madras & United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Nithya Sharma, III semester B.A. LL.B., was adjudged the Best Student Advocate in the competition which discussed various issues pertaining to rights of refugees. A total of 8 teams (comprising 3 members each) from all over India participated in the competition. SASTRA's team went all the way up to the semi-finals.

SASTRA ALUMNI REUNION IN USA(EAST & CENTRAL CHAPTERS)

SASTRA Alumni Reunion was organised in USA, in Philadelphia Downtown (East Chapter) and Schaumburg, Chicago (Central Chapter) on November 14, 2010 and November 21, 2010 respectively. Alumni of SASTRA from these areas attended the reunion meet with their spouse and kids. An open discussion on “Role of Alumni” was held. Dr. S. Vaidhyasubramaniam, Dean, Planning and Development, SASTRA, participated in the meetings.

Dr. H.R. Bhargava, Assistant Professor, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA, presented a research paper titled “Floral Calendar of Bee forage plants of Chickmagalur District,

thKarnataka, India” at the 10 Asian A p i c u l t u r a l A s s o c i a t i o n Conference and Api Expo, Busan,

th thKorea from 4 to 7 November 2010. In his research paper Dr. Bhargava established that Microscopical analysis of honey samples formed the basis for the study of floral calendar of the bee forage plants of Chickmagalur district. 400 delegates from nineteen countries participated in the Conference. The trip was sponsored by the Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India.

SASTRA TEAM WINS THE AL GORE SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY VENTURE COMPETITION 2010

NAIRAO Innovations, the team from SASTRA University won the Al Gore Sustainable Technology Venture Competition 2010 beating teams from IIT and BITS, Pilani. The team came up with a solution for tackling the climate change, at the Al Gore Sustainable Technology Venture Competition. Asia's first and most prestigious sustainable/clean technology business plan

thcompetition was held at IIT Madras form 29 September rdto 3 October, 2010.

NAIRAO Innovations, the SASTRA team comprising Nair Vivek Sahadevan, Suma Prabhakaran, Praveen LR, Venkateswara Rao, Kaushik Mahadevan, Guru Krupa N and Deepak Krishna, came up with a solution for reducing the carbon emission from industrial exhaust chamber by producing Carbon Nano Tubes (CNT) from the flue gas coming through it. These CNT has an attractive economic quotient that could rope in both small as well as large scale industries into this venture.

SASTRA team receives the award from Mr. Gopal Srinivasan

The team competed against 7 other teams-- 4 from IIT KGP, 2 from BITS Pilani and 1 from IIT M. The Judging Panel was headed by Ms. Oopali Operajita, several reputed Venture Capitalist like Mr. Gopa l Srinivasan from TVSE and other successful entrepreneurs. The felicitation ceremony was attended by Mrs. Oopali Operajita, Dr. Idichandy and others. The team was awarded with a citation and cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh.

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SANSKRIT DAY

'Sanskrit Day' was celebrated at SASTRA University on October 17, 2010 (Vijayadasami Day). Shri C. Ramakrishna, a senior advocate of Chennai High Court inaugurated the function. In his address, Shri Ramakrishna emphasized that the Sanskrit language enunciates simple living. Quoting from the Sakuntalam and the Raghuvamsam, he maintained that to learn the beauty of any language, a study of its grammar is vital to make extensive use of that language as a medium of communication.

In his welcome address Dr.N. Kannan, Coordinator of the Department of Sanskrit and Vedic Studies, portrayed the correlation between the date of the function and the Chief Guest in the form of a magic square using Vedic Numerical Code. In his introductory remarks Dr. S.N. Srivastava, Registrar, traced the steps taken by the University to promote the ancient language of Sanskrit and stressed the importance of celebrating the day. Dr.K. Kannan, Dean, H&S proposed a vote of thanks.

The Department of Sanskrit and Vedic Studies, School of Humanities and Sciences, SASTRA organized the function.

COMPUTER AWARENESS PROGRAMME FOR REGISTRATION DEPARTMENT

The Department of Computer Applications, School of Computing SASTRA University, organized a training programme on “Basic Computer Literacy” for the Staff of the Registration Department, Government of Tamil

th Nadu on 17 November 2010.

The training becomes important to the staff in the wake of the computerization of land registration process and the e-governance move by the Tamil Nadu Government. Hands-on training in the usage of scanners, printers and other computer peripherals, basics of operating systems, Microsoft office tools, email and its utilities and web searching and browsing was provided to the participants. 50 staff members, comprising Junior Assistants and Computer Operators, from Thanjavur and Pattukkottai Registration Districts attended the programme.

Shri N. Arul Kumar, District Registrar, Thanjavur inaugurated the programme. Shri Arul Kumar who explained the importance of the training to the participants, said that the e-Governance would facilitate transparency in the land registration process.

SASTRA University has regularly been organizing such service programmes to the officials of the Police Department, IAF personnel and School teachers.

A similar programme was organized on December 11, 2010 for the registration department officials of the Kumbakonam Revenue District. 32 staff members attended the programme.

DATE MAGIC SQUAREFirst lines shows the date of the event: 17.10.2010

17 10 20 10 57

08 22 16 11 57

25 19 08 05 57

07 06 13 31 57

57 57 57 57 57

Dr. S.N. Srivastava presenting a memento to Shri C. RamakrishaDr. S.N. Srivastava presenting a memento to Shri C. Ramakrisha

MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD TRAINING

The Srinivasa Ramanujan Centre, SASTRA, Kumbakonam and Dr.G.S. Kalyanasundram Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Pazhayagudalur, Kuttalam, jointly conducted a workshop on International Maths Olympiad for training students drawn from the various states of India from November 12-17, 2010, G.S.K.M.H.S.School . Dr.R. Srikanth and Dr.K. Kannan of the Mathematics Department of SASTRA University conducted the workshop. Parallel sessions were conducted for the seniors and juniors.

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CARPE DIEM

Carpe Diem, the Intra-University cultural fest of SASTRA University was held on October 23 – 25, 2010. The event served as a perfect platform for all creative minds of SASTRA to hone their skills, prove their mettle and also gain competitive experience. Carpe Diem'10 lived to be a delightful affair incorporating events from all clusters ranging from Fine Arts, Dance, Music, Literary and Theatre events in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Many first year students as well as seniors showcased their skills and won exciting prizes.

QUIZ CONTEST

Abraham Maslow Club (HR club) and NIPM SASTRA Group conducted an Inter-collegiate Quiz Contest on October 29, 2010. Teams from ten colleges participated in the event. First prize of Rs.2000 was awarded to J.J. College of Engineering, Trichy and second prize of Rs.1000 to A.V.C College, Mayiladuthurai.

LECTURE ON TALENT MANAGEMENT

Abraham Maslow Club organised a guest lecture on 'Talent Management' , on October 6, 2010. Mr.K.Chandrasekaran, Additional General Manager, HRDC, BHEL delivered the lecture.

TRAINING ON HERBAL FARMING

The Entrepreneurship Development Cell, SASTRA University in association with CARISM, SASTRA conducted a three-day training on Herbal Farming from October 8-10, 2010. Mr.Albin D. Robert Lawrence, Staff In-charge, Entrepreneurship Development Cell and Mr. V. Vijay Anand, Faculty, SOM co-ordinated the programme.

FACULTY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

A 4-day Faculty Development Programme was organized by the Department of English, SRC, Kumbakonam. Prof. N. Krishnaswamy, former Professor of Linguistics, CIEFL, Hyderabad was the resource person. Prof. Krishnaswamy emphasized the role of the teacher as a mentor and facilitator. An integrated-interactive approach to ELT was the thrust area. Activity-based approach to teaching of English and Communicative Grammar teaching were the focus areas of the training. The programme enabled the participants to develop appropriate competencies, taking into account the difficulties particularly of rural and semi-urban students. Mrs. Lalitha Krishnaswamy was the co-resource person. 25 teachers attended the programme. Special sessions were conducted by the resource persons for the students of B.Ed., and M.A.,B.Ed. (Integrated) courses.

THE ATHENAEUM th 'The Athenaeum' was inaugurated at SRC on 13

October, 2010. Dr. Benet Sundar Singh, Associate Professor, Department of English, National College Trichy, delivered the inaugural address. In his talk, he highlighted the importance of reading. He said that the non-native speakers of English ought to give greater importance to reading as a skill. He spoke on the ways to get at the meaning of a story/narrative, the techniques to effectively analyze the given text and also discussed the significance of fables and myth as narrative forms. He also interacted with the students of M.A.,B.Ed. Integrated programme and suggested how they should equip themselves as teachers. Dr. S. Seshadri, Dean Engineering presided over the function and Dr.R.V. Ram, Professor & Head, Department of English proposed a vote of thanks. Major.A. Balasubramanian, Principal, School of Education also participated.

WORKSHOP ON EFFECTIVE USE OF BLACK-BOARD

Dr.K. Narasimhan, School of Education, SRC, SASTRA conducted a workshop on 'The effective use of Black-board in the classroom' on October 14, 2010. He trained the participants in the art and science of legible and streamlined writing.

KALAMALIKA INAUGURATED

The inaugural function of Kalamalika, the fine arts association, SRC, for the year 2010/2011 was conducted on October 20, 2010. Advocate Shri R. Gopalan (Kalalaya, Kumbakonam) spoke on the recent trends in the world of music.

COMPUTER TRAINING FOR TEACHER TRAINEES AT SRC

The School of Education at SRC, in order to make the teacher trainees computer friendly, conducted a training programme for 60 hours. Computer applications related to teaching profession like Designing and Formatting Question Papers, Analysing Results, Conducting Achievement Tests, Diagnostic Tests were taught.

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Management, Sathyasai Organisations acted as resource person. Vital issues like the Science of Disasters, Knot, Rescue Techniques & Ladder, Fine-Fighting, First Aid, Emergency steps in Rescue operations were taken up for discussion in the workshop.

Around 30 volunteers were involved in temple cleaning thwork at Kumbeshwaran on October 28 2010.

50 Volunteers were deputed for crowd control at the Swaminatha Swami Temple at Swamimalai from 8 a.m. to

st8 p.m. on 21 November 2010 for Karthigai Deepam Festival.

80 volunteers were deputed for traffic regulations at thSarangapani Thirukoil on 17 December 2010 during

Vaigunda Ekadesi.

ENERGY CONSERVATION

Elpower association observed the Energy Conservation Week 2010, on December 24, 2010 with a special lecture on Energy Conservation. Shri K. Kamaraj, Asst. Executive Engineer, TNEB Sakkottai delivered the lecture.

The Students of EEE and the NSS volunteers participated in a rally to create awareness among the public on Energy Conservation.

NCC NEWS

The NCC wing at SRC Organized a Blood donat ion camp on October 21, 2010 in which 200 units of blood were donated to the Govt. Hospital, Kumbakonam.

NCC Cadets along with the Cadets of Govt. Arts College, Kumbakonam donated blood to Govt. Hospital, Kumbakonam on December 5, 2010. The function was presided over by Dr. K . C . S r i n i v a s a n , Principal, Govt. Arts College, Kumbakonam. Dr.S. Anbu, Medical Officer, Govt. Blood Bank, Kumbakonam delivered a lecture on “ I m p o r t a n c e o f Donating Blood”.

ANNADHANAM AT NAGORE DARGHA

The Nagore Dargha organised an Annadhanam Camp sponsored by SASTRA University at Nagore. Many people were served with sumptuous lunch. Shri Muhali K. Mohamed Kalifa Sahib (Quadiri), Hereditary Dargha Kalifa, & First Trustee of Nagore Dargha presided over the annadhanam camp and thanked the management of SASTRA for its noble gesture and wished SASTRA University more and more success in its future endeavours.

N.S.S. ACTIVITIES AT SRC

120 NSS volunteers participated in crowd regulations at th thArulmigu Kumbeshwaran Temple from 8 to 16 October

2010 during Navarathri Festival.

The chamber of commerce, Kumbakonam organized a thRally to generate environmental awareness on 8 October

2010. Shri Ellangovan, Deputy Superintendent of police flagged off the procession in which around 40 NSS volunteers participated.

A Mini Marathon Rally was organized by Lioness club of

thKumbakonam on 9 October 2010. Global warming was the theme of the rally. Shri S.P. Tamil Alagan, Municipal Chairman, Kumbakonam inaugurated the rally. 30 NSS volunteers, holding pictures and slogans related to global warming, covered 10 kms, raising awareness amidst the public.

A Disaster Management Awareness Workshop was thorganized by the NSS wings at SRC on 9 October 2010.

Shri Thyagarajan, State Co-ordinator, Disaster

10

Book-Post

SASTRA UNIVERSITY(A University under section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956)

THANJAVUR - 613 401.TAMIL NADU

A Quarterly Newsletter published by SASTRA University, Thanjavur - 613 401, Tamil NaduPh: +91 4362 264101 - 108, 304000 - 29, Fax:+ 91 4362 264120, URL: www.sastra.edu.

Printed at : PGK ARTS, No.21, Kasiviswanathar East Street, Kumbakonam - 612 001. Ph : 0435 2420323.

SASTRA UNIVERSITYSASTRA UNIVERSITY

EDITORIAL BOARDDr. S. Vaidhyasubramaniam Dean, Planning & Development

Dr. S. Swaminathan Dean, (SR) & Director (CeNTAB)

Dr. M. Vijayalakshmi Associate Dean, SCBT

Dr. G. Venkatraman Associate Professor, Dept. of English

Smt. S. Pramila Asst. Professor, Dept. of English

Dr. R. Ravi Asst. Professor, Dept. of English, SRC

ITIHAS can also be viewed at www.sastra.edu

ITIHAS VOL.10, IV QUARTER - 2010

12

SASTRA University offers the following courses through Distance Mode from the calendar year 2011:1. M.A. SANSKRIT(LANGUAGE & ITS APPLICATIONS)2. DIPLOMA IN VEDIC STUDIES.3. B.F.A. (Music)

For further details: Dean, School of Humanities &Sciences, SASTRA

University, Thanjavur - 612 001.Ph:+91 4362 264101-108 Extn:117, Email:kkannan@maths.sastra.edu.

DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSES

UPCOMING EVENTS

NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON VEDAS - THE SOURCE OF ALL SCIENCES (VAS-2011)

February 17-19, 2011

Organised by: The School of Humanities & Sciencesand CARISM

For details: Dr. N. Kannan, Professor of Mathematics& Organising Secretary. Ph:04362-264101-108, Extn. 201

Under the aegis of the NSS Units of Shanmugha Polytechnic College, a lecture on “Green the Earth – Clean the Mind” was given by the members of the Brahmakumari Unit of Madurai as a part of their National Level campaign, They created awareness among individuals about the importance of planting of trees, r e d u c i n g g l o b a l w a r m i n g a n d developing human values such as love, peace, nonviolence and compassion.

LECTURE ON “GREEN THE EARTH – CLEAN THE MIND”

THETA’11An Intercollegiate Technical Fest

February 18-20, 2011

Organised by: Srinivasa Ramanujan Centre, SASTRA University, Kumbakonam

For details: Dr. T. Radhakrishnan, Convenoremail: theta11.org